At home August 9th, 1863

Mrs. Mary A. A. Clark

My dear sister, I received your kind letter this morning. I was more than glad to hear from you all. This leaves me with a sick family. Jack and Lish and Eugenia all have the fever and has been down a week today. Jack is very weak for he liked to of died. I have been sick myself. It was caused from fatigue and wanting to sleep. I hope this may reach you all well and doing well. Dear sister, trouble is common over here, more so among the common people than the rich. The rich is as high minded as ever and is dodging the war and the troubles of it. Dear, it seems like everything in the way of trouble is come on me at once. It seems insupportable and no friend near to relate my troubles to nor to sympathize with me. It seems like I had rather die than live if it was not for my helpless little children that would suffer for my attention. I have not heard from my husband and my son in nearly 3 weeks. I can't tell why they don't write to me I am in a distressed condition with my sick family and not well myself. This is a very sickly place. I want to get away from here bad. Tell Daniel (Mary's son) to get off at buzzard roost station. We live two miles from the station. Inquire for the widow Bryans place or for where we live either. Rebecca Bryans. Jack will meet him if he knew what day he would come. Tell him to come soon. I want you to come with him if you can. If you can Mary. The children all want to see Aunt Mary. I dreamed of you last night. I must close so nothing more from your loving and affectionate sister this time.

Harriet J. Pattishall